Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Lat: 43° 42' 0 N, Long: 79° 34' 0 W
Posts: 2820

I figured since there was a thread for post-secondary starters, the post-secondary finishers needed one too.

"(I'm) freakin' out... man!"

It's hard to believe that I'm going to graduate. It has taken me a ridiculously long time to get to where I find myself today: Realizing I'm a whole lot more stupid, and definitely more broke than I was when I started University.

After being here for almost long enough to qualify me for two degrees, I'll finally be getting one. It's made me realize that getting into school is hard, but pushing through is harder. I've met a lot of people over the last few years. Like flies, I've watched many of my friends leave school incompleted. I've seen them say "screw this." and take off.

Some just aren't interested, and are leaving before they complete their BAs or BAHs. The BScERs are close behind. Although they don't make up the vast majority of the folks I know, I also know some who are giving up a year early... with a grand total of ONE MINOR!!!

I guess a part of me is glad that I've pressed on, and not given up. I'm now only two months away from holding a piece of paper that cost me a decent home in the 'burbs. It's frustrating, but I know that it'll probably help me in whichever career path I choose.

Graduation seems far away now. Farther and closer than ever at the same time. There is one half of me that is relieved. It's the half that's saying "You're not going to fail anything now, so don't worry about it." It's the part that's telling me that I need a life outside of the UniBubble. It's the part that's reminding me that I'm not getting any younger, and my retirement is getting later.

The other half of me is in a panic. Having only really known school so far, I don't want to leave. I don't want to be stuck in a boring job that I have to go to day in and day out for YEARS. It's the part of me that resents the fact that my academic growth will be stunted. It's the part that's just not ready to let go to the supposed "Best years of my life."

Friends are moving on. They're old friends, with new condos and babies. I should be one of them. Instead of looking for a job, I find myself checking out one year college courses... because why stop at a degree if you can get a diploma too? Grandma's right. I'm destined to be an educated bum.

To counteract my freaking out, I've decided to do a bit of both. I will be putting in a college application or two, but only if I really think the program is worthwhile, and only if (because realistically one year is enough) it'll be over by next April. On the other hand, I've hunted out our used textbook sale, and picked up a few books of interest. Just because you're not in school doesn't mean you can't learn the exact same thing as they are!!!

Graduation is an exciting and scary time. I can hardly wait.

Attachment: gradphoto-carolynn3sm.jpg
This has been downloaded 76 time(s).

Last edited by Oracular_Jinx on 03-03-2005 at 02:05 AM

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Registered: Dec 2002
Location:
Posts: 15994

Congratulations on the impending graduation, OJ. As for continuing education, go for it. Also, beautiful pic.

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Registered: May 2004
Location: New York
Posts: 809

Hell yeah...graduation is one helluva day! Your family and yourself will be taking mad pictures, you'll go eat @ some fancy restaurant, have a party set up for you for all of your family friends when you arrive home, and don't forget the gifts! My roommate got a new Jeep Grand Cherokee when he graduated (no, not me...I had to return my truck because the lease ran out *cries* and didn't have a car for the last month I was in Loyola)

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Posts: 18839

*clapclapclapclapclapclapclapclap*

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Registered: Dec 2002
Location:
Posts: 3063

wewt

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Registered: Feb 2003
Location: Oceanside, CA
Posts: 5074

Congraduations!

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Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Still Orygun
Posts: 10256

Great work, Jinxy! Your struggle to finish is not lost on the folks here, nor is the triumph that is your graduation!

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Registered: Jan 2003
Location: mediocre apartment
Posts: 2616

Hooray for you!

I am in the same boat, but from your post I am probably freaking out a bit more than you seem to be.

Congratulations, and junk.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 2566

Good for you!!
Good luck with everything =)

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Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Lat: 43° 42' 0 N, Long: 79° 34' 0 W
Posts: 2820

*buys willmo a beer*

Don't worry. Everything's gonna be alright!

Now let's get drunk and celebrate prematurely!!! WOOO

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